Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Technology and new media helps visitors keep abreast of Pele's antics and how
they may affect plans. Here are some top resources:
Trail & road closures
(
www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.html
)
Air quality
(
www.hawaiiso2network.com
)
Kilauea status
(
http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php
)
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Webcams
(
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/cams
)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park iApp
(search for it at iTunes: itunes.apple.com)
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Active volcanoes create a few unusual hazards. Though extremely rare and highly un-
likely, deaths have occurred on park visits. Molten lava isn't the most threatening person-
al danger. Instead, deaths and injuries tend to occur when people venture too close to the
active flow - and wind up on unstable 'benches' of new land that collapse, or get caught
in steam explosions when lava enters the ocean.
If you plan to walk or hike about, come prepared: bring hiking shoes or sneakers, long
pants, a hat, sunscreen, water (and snacks), and a flashlight with extra batteries. For more
information see the Visitor Center's excellent safety film.
Lava
As for less mortal dangers, remember that hardened lava is uneven and brittle; rocks can
be glass-sharp. Thin crusts can give way over unseen hollows and lava tubes; the edges
of craters and rifts crumble easily. Deep earth cracks may be hidden by plants. When hik-
ing, abrasions, deep cuts and broken limbs are all possible. So, it's even more important
than most places to stay on marked trails and take park warning signs seriously. Blazing
paths into unknown terrain can damage fragile areas, lead to injuries and leave tracks that
encourage others to follow.
Vog & Sulfuric Fumes
Another major, constant concern is air quality. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and Puʻu ʻOʻo vent
belch thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide daily. Where lava meets the sea it also creates a
'steam plume,' where sulfuric and hydrochloric acid mixes with airborne silica (or glass
particles). All this combines to create 'vog,' which depending on the winds can settle
over the park. Given all this, people with respiratory and heart conditions, pregnant wo-
men, infants and young children should take care when visiting.
Dehydration
